Arvind Kejriwal, the National Convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former Chief Minister of Delhi, on Sunday announced that registrations for two new welfare schemes—Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana—will begin on December 23.

During a press conference with current Delhi Chief Minister Atishi and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Kejriwal detailed the benefits of these initiatives and the door-to-door registration effort that AAP volunteers will execute to maximize participation.

The Mahila Samman Yojana provides a monthly financial assistance of RS 2,100 to every woman in Delhi. This scheme is designed to help women manage household expenses and pursue higher education.

Kejriwal emphasised the significance of supporting women, stating, “We recognize the hard work of mothers and sisters who balance household responsibilities with jobs. This Rs 2,100 will aid daughters in completing their college education and enable housewives to cope with rising costs or fulfill personal desires, like purchasing a saree or suit.”

Kejriwal announced that, due to high interest in the program, registration would start the following day. He urged potential participants to avoid long lines, assuring them that AAP teams would come directly to their homes to carry out the registration and provide a registration card for safekeeping.

The Sanjeevani Yojana is another initiative aimed at offering free healthcare for senior citizens aged 60 and above, covering all medical expenses in both government and private hospitals, regardless of income.

“The middle class, which plays a crucial role in our country’s growth through tax contributions, often feels overlooked in retirement. Healthcare costs in old age are a major concern for many. I want to reassure senior citizens that the AAP government will handle all your medical expenses,” Kejriwal declared.

Registrations for both schemes will launch simultaneously, with AAP teams ensuring that eligible voters in Delhi can enroll easily. Kejriwal urged participants to have their voter IDs ready and made a pointed remark about the opposition, alleging they cancel voter IDs to strip people of their welfare entitlements.

“Make sure your voter ID is active. If it has been canceled, let us know immediately, and we will arrange for its reinstatement,” he stated.

Kejriwal, together with Atishi and Manish Sisodia, announced plans to personally visit several neighborhoods to kick off the registration process.

“This is a major stride towards empowering women and ensuring access to healthcare for the elderly. Tomorrow, the registration drive will commence vigorously throughout Delhi,” he said.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday asserted that the law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh has improved, leading to the state government’s receipt of investment proposals totaling Rs 40 lakh crore.

In contrast, the Opposition party, the Samajwadi Party, challenged Adityanath’s claims, alleging that the state is experiencing a “jungle raj” characterized by widespread loot, hooliganism, and anarchy.

The Chief Minister’s Office posted a video on X, featuring Adityanath stating that there is a significantly enhanced security environment in the state, fostering public trust in law and order.

“It is the result of this that Uttar Pradesh has received investment proposals of Rs 40 lakh crore,” he said.

He emphasised that this improved situation is reflected in the substantial investment proposals received.

However, shortly after this announcement, the Samajwadi Party’s Media Cell countered by sharing news reports on X detailing recent incidents of murder and dacoity in Varanasi and Chitrakoot.

“This is CM Yogi’s shameful and ruined law and order which he boasts about from packed stages,” read the post which SP chief Akhilesh Yadav also shared.

The party’s post, endorsed by SP leader Akhilesh Yadav, criticized Adityanath, branding the law and order situation he touts as “shameful and ruined.”

The Samajwadi Party questioned the validity of the Chief Minister’s assertions, stating that in his governance, the atmosphere is rife with anarchy, looting, and murder.

They further accused the government of collusion between police, the BJP, and criminals, suggesting that looted goods are shared among them. The party provocatively asked Adityanath if he led a gang of robbers or merely trained them.

“In CM Yogi’s rule, there is collusion between police, BJP and robbers and the looted goods are distributed among all… CM Yogi should tell if he is the CEO of this gang of robbers or the trainer,” it said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday stated that the Indian diaspora has enriched Kuwait’s landscape with the vibrancy of Indian skills, emphasising that India possesses the manpower, expertise, and technology essential for a ‘New Kuwait.’

This trip to Kuwait, at the invitation of Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, marks the first time in 43 years that an Indian Prime Minister has visited this Gulf nation.

“It takes just four hours to fly from India to Kuwait, but it has taken four decades for an Indian Prime Minister to come here,” PM Modi remarked during his address to the Indian community.

Welcoming attendees ahead of a series of upcoming festivals, he noted, “You have all gathered here from various parts of India, and it truly feels like a mini India has come together.”

He praised the contributions of the Indian community, saying, “Every year, hundreds of Indians arrive in Kuwait; you have added an Indian essence to Kuwaiti society, filling its canvas with the colors of Indian skills, complemented by our rich traditions, technology, and talent.” He reiterated India’s readiness to support the development of ‘New Kuwait’ with its skilled workforce and advanced technology.

In an interview with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), PM Modi expressed India’s commitment to assisting in the restoration of peace in Gaza and Ukraine, emphasizing that solutions must be reached through dialogue rather than conflict.

He highlighted the necessity for sincere and constructive engagement among stakeholders to bridge differences and achieve negotiated resolutions. He also reaffirmed India’s backing for a two-state solution to create a sovereign and independent Palestine with recognized borders.

Modi emphasized the profound and historic ties between India and Kuwait, noting that the two countries are on the cusp of transforming their traditional buyer-seller relationship into a strategic partnership by exploring new opportunities throughout the oil and gas value chain. As Kuwait serves as India’s sixth-largest crude supplier and fourth-largest LPG supplier, he mentioned, “The potential for further collaboration is vast, especially as India becomes the third-largest global consumer of energy, oil, and LPG.” He highlighted that Kuwait holds about 6.5% of global oil reserves.

He identified the petrochemical sector as another area ripe for collaboration, projecting that India’s rapidly expanding petrochemical industry will reach $300 billion by 2025. Modi remarked that the energy partnership is not just a cornerstone of economic relations but also a catalyst for diversified and sustainable growth, paving the way for mutual prosperity.

Describing the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) as a crucial organization for India, he highlighted the historical, cultural, and trade connections that bind India and the Gulf nations.

The GCC region represents approximately one-sixth of India’s total trade and is home to around one-third of the Indian diaspora. He noted, “About nine million Indians living in the region are making significant contributions to its economic development.”